Soriano, 33, was among the last of the premier free agents still on the market with spring training camps due to open in about a month. However, he had drawn few offers because a team that signs him must surrender a first-round draft pick as compensation, as well as the draft pool money associated with it. Washington will lose the No. 29 pick overall.

In 69 relief appearances for the New York Yankees last season, Soriano went 2-1 with a 2.26 ERA, 42 saves and 69 strikeouts in 67 2/3 innings. He took over as closer after Mariano Rivera tore his ACL in early May. Following the season, Soriano opted out of his deal with the Yankees (he would have earned $14 million in 2013) and then rejected a one-year, $13.3 million qualifying offer to remain with the team.

Soriano is yet another impressive addition to a Nationals team that led the majors with 98 wins in 2012. This offseason, they also have signed righthanded starter Dan Haren and acquired center fielder Denard Span in a trade with the Minnesota Twins.

It is unclear whether Soriano will close for Washington, which already has Tyler Clippard (32 saves in 2012) and Drew Storen (43 saves in 2011).